Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time - A - October 30. 2011

Christian Leadership

What qualities make for a Christian leader? (Hint, it is not found in power relationships.)

STUDIES FOR THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS: November 1, 2011

STUDIES FOR THE FEAST OF ALL SOULS: November 2, 2011

MP3 PODCAST In this week's audio podcast, we discuss Christian leadership. A Christian leader is guided by the dictum: to serve is to lead.

FIRST READING The prophet Malachi railed against Temple leaders who sort personal gain over the role of the shepherd. His message was simple: lead or lose your position.

PSALM Psalm 131 was a hymn of humility and, thus, of hope.

SECOND READING St. Paul had fond memories of and mutual attraction for the Thessalonians in his first letter to that community. In this sense, Paul was a Christian leader, for he walked in the shoes of the local Church.

GOSPEL In Matthew's gospel, Jesus called on the Christian leaders to better their counterparts among the Pharisees. Christians were to serve, not to be served.

CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Max was accused of a crime he did not commit. He stood alone, with only half the truth known. We are to find the whole truth, not to spread rumors. In the story for the gospel, Dusty betrayed others by being irresponsible on Halloween. He lost the trust and respect of others. Jesus warned us against such irresponsibility.

FAMILY ACTIVITY To bring home the gospel message, role play "Titles and Jobs." Develop job descriptions for family members as a means to discuss leadership qualities.